1. Go Apple Picking at U-Pick Orchards
One of the most popular fall farm activities is visiting an orchard for U-pick apples. There is nothing quite like strolling through rows of trees and filling a basket with crisp, juicy fruit. Here are a few standout orchards in North Carolina (where I am) that capture the season perfectly:
- Sky Top Orchard (Flat Rock, Blue Ridge Mountains)
- Jeter Mountain Farm (Hendersonville)
- Justus Orchard (Hendersonville)
- Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill (Morganton)
- Grandad’s Apples (near Asheville)
- Barbers Orchard (Waynesville) (Not U-Pick but darn good apple turnovers)
Apple picking is more than just a harvest—it is a seasonal tradition that supports local agriculture and connects families to the land.
2. Get Ready for Pumpkin Season
Pumpkins are another highlight of fall farm activities. From carving to cooking, pumpkins bring color and flavor to the season.
- Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard (Hendersonville)
Open for fall starting mid-August, this orchard offers U-pick apples, pumpkins, grapes, sunflowers, and zinnias. It is a favorite for families who want a mix of farm fun and seasonal décor.
Pumpkin season is your cue to carve jack-o-lanterns, bake pumpkin bread, or decorate your porch with gourds—and supporting local farms makes it even sweeter.
3. Farmers Markets Keep Going Strong All Fall
Even as the weather cools, farmers markets remain one of the most rewarding fall farm activities. Stalls are overflowing with crisp apples, hearty greens, and late-season squash. It is the perfect time to stock up before some markets pause for winter. Many communities also host winter markets, so you can keep buying local all year long. Farm Trader can help you find the markets near you and keep your pantry stocked with fresh, local food.
4. Fall Festivals and Agritourism Events
Fall festivals and county fairs are another way to enjoy fall farm activities. These events highlight local agriculture while giving families a night of fun. From cheering at tractor pulls and listening to live music, to wandering the fairgrounds with a turkey leg and a caramel apple, festivals bring people together and support local communities. Attending these events keeps traditions alive and shows farmers how much their work is valued.
5. Your Fall “Farm Fun To-Do List”
To make the most of the season, here are some simple ways to enjoy fall farm activities:
- Pick fresh apples at your local orchards
- Visit pumpkin patches and flower fields
- Stock up at farmers markets before winter
- Experience fall festivals like the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk
- Explore agritourism by cooking with fall crops or even starting your own garden with tips from local farmers
Final Thoughts
Fall is a season to celebrate community, harvest, and local food. Whether you are picking apples, shopping farmers markets, or enjoying festive fall fairs, supporting local farms keeps traditions alive and strengthens local economies.
Farm Trader is here to help you connect with farms near you and experience the very best fall farm activities. Bring on apple season, pumpkin patch fun, and all the flavors of autumn!
